A wave of shock, heartbreak and remembrance swept through the baseball world Tuesday afternoon after it was announced Roy Halladay died in a small plane crash while flying over the Gulf of Mexico in his personal aircraft.

The righthander who won two Cy Young awards and appeared in eight All-Star games over his 15-year career with the Phillies and Blue Jays was respected as a pitcher as much as he was loved as a teammate and a role model.

Those who played with him and against him, crossed paths with him and watched and looked up to him expressed their condolences in one way or another Tuesday for the 40-year-old Halladay gone far too soon.

Chase Utley, who played with Halladay in Philadelphia for three seasons and behind him during his perfect game and postseason no-hitter, both in 2010, recalled with a heavy heart his first run-in with Halladay during spring training that year.

“My heart hurts writing this. I can still remember the first day we met,” the second baseman, now with the Dodgers, wrote in an Instagram post. “It was 5:45am on the first day of spring training when I arrived. He was finishing his breakfast but his clothes were soaking wet. I asked if it was raining when he got in. He laughed and said ‘No I just finished my workout.’

“I knew right then- he was the real deal. Thank you Roy for allowing us to witness what it takes to be the best. We will all miss you.”

Halladay’s rotation mate with the Phillies, Cole Hamels, remembers him for his utter dominance on the mound, but more importantly for his demeanor off of it. Hamels watched Halladay be a loving husband to his wife, Brandy, and his two sons, Braden and Ryan.

“I am deeply saddened and absolutely devastated by the tragic loss of Roy Halladay. Doc was the best pitcher I ever had the privilege of sharing the field with as his preparation, consistency, passion, drive and excellence on the field was unmatched,” Hamels said in a statement released by the Phillies. “He was a dominant force on the mound every fifth day and he made all of us better without having to say a word.

“Doc was a tremendous teammate who never sought out the spotlight, rather he let his greatness on the field do the talking for him. He cared about winning and being the best player and teammate possible. His career accolades speak for themselves but what I most admired about him was his love for his family and his children. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Immediately following the news, Twitter erupted with messages mourning the loss of a beloved player.

I’m stunned to silence over the news of Roy Halladay. My thoughts and heart are with Brandy and the boys. Rest In Peace my friend.

After retiring from the game in 2013, Halladay had more time to dedicate to his love of flying, which he documented heavily on social media before his death. Just last month, after Halladay bought an ICON A5 plane, Brandy chillingly expressed her fears of him piloting it on his own.